Enjoy a morning city tour of Hanoi on cyclo ride through the Old Quarter of “36 streets and 36 wares” where each street is dedicated to a different business or trade. Here we’ll see of Vietnam’s finest examples of contemporary art and handmade crafts browsing through the textiles, silk embroidery, baskets, and more… and to visit the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, an imposing monument made of generous amount of marble and granite. This is where the preserved body of “Uncle Ho” may be viewed, continue visiting the Ho Chi Minh House and the lotus-shaped One Pillar Pagoda, known as the Temple of Love. In the form of a lotus, it emerges from the water and rests on a single stone pillar. It contains a statue of the Goddess of Mercy with its legendary “thousand arms and a thousand eyes”. Then, head to visit the Temple of Literature – The first university in Vietnam built in 11th ce ntury. Lunch at Koto restaurant (great for the food and fascinating aspect of helping former street kids). In the evening, we will enjoy a traditional performance of the water puppet show. Overnight in Hanoi.

 

08.30-13.00: Pick up by private car at your hotel about 8.30. Spend 3 hours sight seeing country Vietnam on the way to Halong city. Arrive at boat station just before 12.00 noon. Welcome by Junk staff and embark. Welcome cocktail and check-in on board the Emeraude.
13.00-16.00: Cruise on the Junk on Halong Bay passing by some of the most scenic location including Yen Ngua, Con Coc Mountains and a floating village. Vietnamese buffet lunch is served in the restaurant from 13.00-14.30. Being followed by an excursion to a real fishing village known as "Cua Van". See the local houses carefully numbared one after another, as we cruise through what we would normally call a lane, experience their lifestyles, marvel at modern amenities. Continue cruising on Halong bay.
16.00-18.30: Anchor near Trinh Nu & Hang Trong caves. Swimming, Kayaking if weather permitted (Kayaking is optional, so not included in our service).
19.00-21.00: Vietnamese buffet dinner is served in the dinning room

 

Early moring-07.00: Enjoy fresh air to relax yourself in the early morning of Orient or wake up early to see Sunrise.
07.00-09.00: Once again through the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay heading for Halong city, it is your time to take breakfast with buffet breakfast at the restaurant.
09.00-09.30: Check out of cabin.
Pick-up by our car and transfer back Hanoi

 

Free at leisure until transfer to the airport for the noon flight to Hue, which was once the religious, economic, and cultural epicenter of Vietnam. During the Tet Offensive of 1968 it was reduced to ruins, but today it has regained its royal demeanor and French colonial garden houses and villas, quiet streets, beautiful riverbanks, and tombs and pagodas all give Hue a unique atmosphere of tranquility. Upon arrival, transfer to your hotel for check in. Lunch on own. In the afternoon we’ll visit the Dan Nam Giao (Temple of Heaven) and the tomb of Emperor Tu Duc, with traditional architecture, paved walkways, resting pavilions overlooking tranquil lotus ponds, and a small forest for hunting. In the evening, we enjoy home hosted dinner at the restored Royal home, the Vinh Tu’s home.

 

We’ll begin with a cruise on the Perfume River to Thien Mu Pagoda, an octagonal tower of seven tiers that rises majestically over the tranquil river as robed monks chanting their mantra and novices carefully tending the bonsai garden. Our next stop will be the old Imperial City, which encompasses the Forbidden Purple City and the emperors’ personal quarters, the tour of the Citadel. After that join a panaromic driving to Hoian – the unique ancient town in the central of Vietnam that was recognized UNESCO as a World Heritage.

 

We’ll tour Hoi An, a town untouched by war and frozen in time, because of its isolated location. We’ll see architecture influence by generations of Japanese, French, Chinese, and Indian traders, as well as beautifully preserved ancient houses. Enjoy a cooking class to learn about Vietnamese art of culinary. Later, there will be free time to shop at the numerous galleries and enjoy the riverside ambience.

 

Free until transfer to the airport for a flight to Ho Chi Minh city. Relaxation.